AFTER 11 seasons, Melbourne AFL premiership player Ben Brown has made the decision to retire from football at the conclusion of the Demons’ 2024 campaign.
The 31-year-old will hang up his boots after a fantastic career, spanning two clubs where he tallied 175 games and kicked 360 goals.
Brown began his AFL journey with North Melbourne in 2014, where he played seven seasons and established himself as one of the league’s most reliable key forwards. He achieved the club’s leading goalkicker award on four occasions during his time in the blue and white.
He became a Demon in late 2020 and had immediate impact, going on to play a pivotal role in Melbourne’s premiership success the following year. It marked the first of Brown’s four seasons representing the red and blue.
“This decision wasn’t an easy one to come to, but I feel it’s right time for my family and I that I hang up the boots after 11 seasons,” Brown said.
“I’ve had the chance to reflect in recent weeks, and have an overwhelming sense of gratitude. To be able to live out my childhood dream, and represent two amazing clubs, is something I will forever cherish.
“To the North Melbourne Football Club, thank you for giving me an opportunity, and for creating some special memories across seven seasons. I am so thankful for my time there and for the wonderful people I met along the way.
“To Melbourne, thank you for welcoming me with open arms. The past four seasons have been some of my most cherished, and I’ve enjoyed every opportunity to represent and play for this great club.
“To be able to hold the premiership cup aloft with my teammates is something I will remember forever. It’s an achievement I’m incredibly proud of. I look forward to reflecting on it further in retirement, and maintaining a special bond with all involved in years to come.
“To my teammates and coaches, both past and present, and all the members and supporters from both North Melbourne and Melbourne, I sincerely thank you. You have helped to make this journey unforgettable.
“And finally, to my family. To Hester, Aila and Esme, my parents and siblings, and my extended family. The past 11 years wouldn’t have been possible without all of your support, through the highs and lows. I am excited for this next chapter of our lives together.”
Despite battling injury setbacks throughout his career, Brown has remained the ultimate professional, renowned for his work ethic and leadership, as well as his community involvement.
From raising more than $90,000 for Challenge, an organisation that supports families fighting childhood cancer, to being a passionate advocate for gender equality, diversity and inclusion, Brown has inspired many across his journey.
He was a finalist for the Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award in 2018 and 2023, and has taken home the Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy (Club Ambassador Award) the past three seasons.
Alan Richardson, Melbourne's General Manager of Football, praised Brown for his contributions to the club and the game.
"Ben has been a tremendous asset to our club, not just for his on-field performances, but for the way he has conducted himself in the face of adversity,” Richardson said.
“His professionalism and dedication have set a standard for all players to follow.
“We thank Ben for his invaluable contributions to the Melbourne Football Club and wish him, Hester, and their family all the best for the future. They will always be part of the Melbourne Football Club."
Fans will have opportunity to thank the much-loved Demon during Melbourne’s Round 24 match against Collingwood, with further details to be confirmed later this week.
It won’t be a final farewell though, with Brown to continue in his role as Talls Specialist Coach of the Dees’ AFLW side – he has been part of the coaching panel since 2022, where he also achieved premiership success as an assistant coach in season seven – for the upcoming campaign.
